Creating templates

The template feature in Netrounds is a very powerful tool for creating complex entities that can be reused as building blocks in tests. Just like a test, a template can comprise a multi-step sequence, where several actions can run concurrently in each step.

Moreover, rather than setting fixed values for parameters, you can leave parameters in a template to be defined at runtime. This further adds to the flexibility of templates in that you can reuse them on different occasions without having to edit them.

The procedure is very similar to building tests, but when setting up individual actions, a new option Template input is provided for each parameter. This option determines whether the parameter is fixed or variable in the template. Those that you specify as Template input are left to be defined at the time of running the test.

Below we build a simple example of a template, designed to validate a broadband connection for IPTV. The template consists of three steps, as shown in the following screenshot:

Do as follows:

Name the template. See screenshot 1 below.

Add a TCP throughput action for testing the throughput, and set the parameters and Template input options according to screenshot 2.

Add a UDP action as a second step in order to as ascertain the jitter and loss characteristics of the connection. Configure the action according to screenshot 3.

Add a third and final step with an IPTV action and an IGMP channel zapping action in parallel. This step checks the TV characteristics. Configure the step according to screenshot 4.

Click Save. The new template now appears in the Templates section on selecting New test, as shown in screenshot 5.

The following screenshots illustrate the above steps.

Screenshot 1

Screenshot 2

Screenshot 3

Screenshot 4

Screenshot 5

Marking templates as favorites

You can click a template's star icon to designate it as a favorite. That template will then appear under the Favorites menu at the top of the left-hand pane with the test categories.

The Favorites menu gives you quicker access to the templates that you use most frequently, especially if a large number of templates have been defined.